Nightster Special
$14,999
*Product specifications and price may vary; this is an approximate reference.
Full Specifications
| Engine | Revolution Max 975T Liquid-Cooled V-Twin |
| Displacement | 975cc |
| Power | 90 HP @ 7,500 rpm |
| Torque | 95 Nm / 70 lb-ft |
| Weight | 219 kg / 483 lbs |
| Seat Height | 706 mm / 27.8" |
| Fuel Capacity | 11.7L / 3.1 gal |
| Transmission | 6-speed |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline |
Electronics
Rider Modes
Performance & Efficiency
- Top Speed
- 107 mph
- 0-60 mph
- 4.1 sec
Reliability & Ownership
Reliability The Revolution Max 975T engine represents a significant leap in reliability for Harley-Davidson. Unlike the older air-cooled Evolution engines, this powerplant features hydraulic valve lash adjustment, meaning there are no expensive valve clearance checks required for the life of the engine. Early teething issues with the Rev Max electronics platform in 2021 have largely been patched via software updates, making the 2025 model a stable, low-maintenance choice.
Maintenance Initial break-in service at 1,000 miles; oil and filter changes every 5,000 miles. Maintenance-free hydraulic lifters.
Comfort & Ergonomics
The Nightster Special features a more upright ergonomic triangle than the standard model thanks to its five-inch handlebar risers. The mid-mount foot controls provide a standard-style seating position that offers better control in corners but can feel cramped for riders over 6 feet tall. Heat management is excellent for a V-Twin due to the liquid cooling, though the rear suspension travel is short (3 inches), leading to a firm ride over potholes.
Overview
" The Neo-Sportster "
The 2025 Harley-Davidson Nightster Special is not your grandfather's Sportster. Gone is the thumping, vibrating Evolution engine, replaced by the sophisticated Revolution Max 975T. This bike represents Harley's pivot toward a younger, tech-savvy demographic that demands performance alongside heritage. By moving the fuel tank under the seat to lower the center of gravity and integrating a full suite of cornering-enhanced rider aids, Harley-Davidson has created a cruiser that handles with surprising agility. It's a 'Special' for a reason, coming standard with a passenger pillion, a 4-inch TFT display with Bluetooth navigation, and cruise control—features that make it a versatile daily rider that honors its DNA while sprinting toward the future.
WikiMoto Verdict
"The Nightster Special is the high-tech, high-revving successor the Sportster line deserved."
In-Depth Review
Engine: The Revolution Will Be Liquid Cooled
At the heart of the Nightster Special is the 975cc version of the Revolution Max powertrain. Unlike the high-revving 1250 found in the Sportster S, the 975T is tuned specifically for torque in the mid-range. It produces 90 horsepower, which might sound modest to sportbike fans, but the delivery is what matters. The torque curve is remarkably flat, providing punchy acceleration from 3,000 rpm all the way to its 9,500 rpm redline. The engine serves as a stressed member of the chassis, which significantly reduces weight and increases rigidity. It lacks the ‘potato-potato’ cadence of the old air-cooled units, but the mechanical refinement and lack of soul-crushing vibration make it a far superior engine for long-distance urban commuting.
Handling: Physics-Defying Balance
The most ingenious design choice in the Nightster Special is the fuel cell placement. The ‘gas tank’ in front of the rider is actually a plastic airbox cover; the 3.1-gallon fuel tank is located beneath the seat. This lowers the center of gravity significantly. When you tip the bike into a corner, it feels 50 pounds lighter than its 483-pound curb weight suggests. The front end, supported by 41mm Showa Dual Bending Valve forks, is communicative and stable. However, the rear is the bike’s Achilles’ heel. With only 3 inches of travel in the dual outboard shocks, large bumps are transmitted directly to the rider’s spine. It handles brilliantly on smooth tarmac, but you will find yourself scanning the road for imperfections.
Tech: The Thinking Man’s Cruiser
Harley-Davidson didn’t skimp on the ‘Special’ electronics. The 4-inch round TFT display is a masterclass in packaging, squeezing a speedometer, tachometer, and turn-by-turn navigation into a classic aesthetic. The inclusion of the Rider Safety Enhancements—Cornering ABS, Traction Control, and Drag-Torque Slip Control—is a major selling point. These systems are unobtrusive in ‘Road’ mode but tighten up significantly in ‘Rain’ mode, providing a genuine safety net for newer riders. The ‘Sport’ mode sharpens throttle response noticeably, making the bike feel eager, almost frantic, in a way that encourages spirited riding.
Verdict
The 2025 Harley-Davidson Nightster Special is a polarizing machine for brand purists, but it is objectively the best-performing small-displacement cruiser Harley has ever built. It offers a level of sophistication and athletic capability that the old Iron 883 could only dream of. While the price point puts it in competition with much larger displacement bikes, the Special justifies its MSRP through its comprehensive tech package and the sheer quality of its engineering. If you can live with the firm rear suspension and the relatively small fuel range, you’ll find a motorcycle that is as rewarding to ride as it is to look at.